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When you need to create features that are somewhat outside of the mainstream, you may need to reach deeper into SolidWorks. SolidWorks has lots of functionality that lies out of the public eye that in certain situations may be just what you are looking for. You will probably not use the tools you find in this chapter every day, but knowing about them may mean the difference between having capability and not having it.

Creating Curve Features

Curves in SolidWorks are often used to help define sweeps and lofts, as well as other features. Curves differ from sketches in that curves are defined using sketches or a dialog box, and you cannot manipulate them directly or dimension them in the same way that you can sketches. Functions that you are accustomed to using with sketches often do not work on curves.

These curve features are covered in this chapter:

• Projected curve

• Helix and Spiral

• Curve Through XYZ Points

• Curve Through Reference Points

• Composite curve

• Imported curve

Several features that carry the curve name are actually sketch-based features:

• 3D sketch

• Equation driven curve

• Intersection curve

• Face curve

Split Line is another feature that can create edges on faces that can be used like curve features. Split Lines are not even remotely considered curves, but they can function in the same way in some situations, so this ...

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